Apparatus for producing gas and a dry residue by the reaction of a solid and a liquid



APPARATUS Feb. 25, a s Em 2233109 FOR PRODUCING GAS AND A DRY RESIDUE BY THE REACTION OF A SOLID AND A LIQUID Original Filed Oct. 1, 1936 3 Shuts-Sheet 1:

INVENTORS CHARLES NESS HUGOVKOJOLA Y B ATTORNEY F b. 25, 1941. I c. Egg HAL 2.233.109

. APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING G A S AND A. DRY RESIDUE BY THE REACTION OF A SOLID AND A LIQUID Original Filed 001:. 1, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 IDNVENTORS CHARLES NESS HUGG V. KQJOLA ATTORNEY 3 Sheets-Sheet'S C. NESS ETAL REACTION OF A SOLID AND A LIQUID Original Filed 001.. l, 1956 APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING GAS AND A DRY RESIDUE BY '1 Feb. 25, 1941.

INVENTORS CHARLES NESS HUGO V. KOJOLA ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 25, 1941 APPARATUS FOR. PRODUCING GAS AND A DRY RESIDUE BY THE REACTION OF A SOLID AND A LIQUID i Charles Ness, Indianapolis, and Hugo V. Kojola,

Whiting, Ind., assignors to The Prest-O-Lite Company, 1110., a corporation of New York Original application October 1, was Serial No.

103,526. Divided and this application November 18, 1933, Serial No. 241,144

1'1 Claims.

This invention relates to an apparatus for producing gas and a dry residue by the reaction of a solid with a liquidpand more particularly to the production of acetylene from calcium carbide and water with the formation of a substantially dry hydrated lime residue.

Generally, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatustfor the genvolumes of gas.

eration of a gas and the recovery of a substantially dry, commercially useful residue. of an exothermic reaction between a solid and a liquid which shall be relatively simple, sate, economical and effective for the production of commercial More specifically, objectsof the invention are to provide an apparatus of the character indicated in which calcium carbide may be continuously and completely reacted to simultaneously produce acetylene and substantially dry calcium hydratein commercial quantities; which permits the heat of the reactionto be effectively controlled and dispersed so that objectionable effects of local high temperatures are avoided; which prevents unreacted calcium carbide from passing out of the reaction zone with the products; in which the heavy impurities unavoidably introduced with the carbide are'prevented from passing out with, and contaminating the residue; in which water evaporated to absorb excess heat of the reaction, is prevented from unduly moistening the residue produced; in which calcium hydrate being produced is maintained in a free flowing, fluid-like condition so that a classification and counterflow of carbide and residue will occur to provide a more effective contact of carbide with water which results in rapid rates of conversion with more effective control of temperature; and which shall be equally effective in the use of lump, dust, granular and run-ofcrusher sizes of carbide.

This application is a division of our copending application, Serial No. 103,526, filedOctober 1, 1936, entitled: Method of producing gas and a dry residue by the reaction of a solid and a liquid.

The above and otherobjects' of the invention and the novel features thereof which achieve these objects will become evident from the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. i is an elevational view partly in section of an apparatus for generating acetylene with the production of a substantially dry residue according to thepresent invention;

Fig. 2 is a similar view of another form of the apparatus for practicing the method of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a view of a section of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2, taken on the line3--3; and

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the rotating agitator device shown in Fig. 2.

To produce commercial quantities of acetylene and a substantially dry residue without encountering dangerously high temperatures, it has been proposed to add a sufficient quantity of water to carbide to satisfy the requirement forcomplete reaction and an additional quantity just sufficient to absorb the excess heat of reaction by its evaporation and subject the reacting materials to mechanical stirring in a horizontal retort for a considerable period until the reaction is complete. The carbideand the residue are carried along the retort by means of a rotary conveyor andiif the quantities of water and carbide have been chosen in proper proportion, a substantially dry residue may result at the discharge end of the retort. It is diflicult, however, to control the temperatures locally occurring in the retort to within desired limits and at the same time obtain a residue that is either not too wet or that does not containunspent carbide, for particles of carbide may be carried along to places where the surrounding material is too dry to complete the reaction. The water vaporized to control temperatures is carried off with the acetylene produced. Such moisture tends to conhydrate. These properties are utilized in carrying out the new method of generation whereby carbide is fed into a reaction chamber into which controlled amounts of water are introduced and in which is maintained a body of calciumhydrate in the desired fluid-like condition. The carbide and water react, forming acetylene and more hydrate. The carbide introduced, together with the newly-formed hydrate cause an upward displacement of the body of hydrate while the gas produced passes upward through the body of hydrate to assist in maintaining its fluid-like action chamber is shown generally at condition. At the top of the reaction chamber the excess hydrate overflows and is withdrawn from further contact with gas which is collected above the reaction chamber and withdrawn to a gas holder. The contents of the reaction chamber are preferably continuously agitated by mechanical means to accelerate the reaction, to insure complete contact of carbide with water, to effect a clasiiication of the materials so that carbide will flow downward and displace hydrate upward, and to avoid the formation of zones of local gh temperature. The amount of water added is sufficiently in excess of that needed for completing the reaction to control by its evaporation the average temperature of the contents of the reaction chamber to within desired limits.

The water that is vaporized passes oif with the gas and means is provided for removing the vapors from further contact with the residue as soon as the residue leaves the reaction chamber where it was maintained at a uniform high tem perature. The water is preferably added at the bottom of the reaction chamber and the zone of greatest reaction activity is maintained at this point. The carbide is caused to move downward toward the water and be retained in the reaction chamber while the hydrate is displaced upward and over the top edge or rim of the chamher. This feature provides for complete conversion of the carbide at fast rates in a reaction zone that is relatively compact so that the size of the reaction chamber for a. desired output capacity may be relatively small.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Fig. l, the means for supplying carbide is shown generally at A. The reaction chamber where generation of gas occurs is shown generally at B, and at C is shown means for collecting the dry residue. Means for supp ying water to the re- The reaction chamber in this form of the apparatus comprises the lower portion ll of a closed generator casing II. The portion I4 is substantially cylindrical and its upper end joins an enlarged portion of the casing l2 wherein the gas produced separates from the particles of residue. Thegasproducedisledoifthetopoftheenlarged portion I! through a conduit l3, which connects to the pipe line l4 that conducts the gas to storage means, such as a gasometer, which veyorhousing l5 within whichis dispoeeda screw conveyor Ii which is rotated-to feed carbide at a.

tional storage space for carbide that may be used during periods when the hopper I1 is being recharged. The lower part of the hopper I1 is vided a removable lid 22.

Water is introduced into the reaction chamber, preferably at apoint 23 clmetooratthebottom of the chamber II. The water supply is'pron vided through the conduit 24 which a controlled by the valve 25 and which has interposed therein a metering orifice 26. Means for indicating the rateofflowofthe waterthroughtheoriilceis provided by a mercury-containing manometer 21 which has one leg connected by conduit 23 to the conduit 24 on the downstream side of orifice 2t and the other leg connected by conduit 2! to conduit 24 on the upstream side of the orifice I. These two conduits are provided with stop valves 3| and 3| for disconnecting the manometer 21 when desired. A branch conduit 32 controlled by stop valve 33 connects conduit 24 with the chamber ID at a point which is a. desired distance above the bottom of the chamber. The conduit 32 may be used for an auxiliary supply of water.

The hydrated lime produced in the chamber II and rising therein is removed from the casing II by means of a conduit 34 which is connected to the portion l2 at a point just above the reaction chamber Ill and conducts the hydrated lime to the lime storage hopper 35 with which it is connected by a connection 35. The conduit 34 is preferably provided with a spiral conveyor 31 which insures the desired movement of the residue. The lower portion of the lime storage hopper 35 is provided with an outlet 38 which is controlled by a slide valve 39. A valve controlled gas inlet 35' is also provided at the lower portion of hopper 35 for introducing dry acetylene when desired to agitate the hydrate collected and to carry excess moisture out of the hydrate.

For insuring the proper a 'tation of the contents of the reaction chamber, there are provided two sets of agitators, both of which rotate about the central vertical axis of the casing ll. One agitating device comprises a This inner shaft is journaled at its upper end in a bearing 45 which is supported within the portion ll of the casing by means of a. three legged spider 46 whose arms are attached to the walls of the casing. The lower end of the shaft 44 is joumaled in a bearing 41 of the casing I I. Surrounding the shaft 44, there is provided a hollow shaft 44 which passes up through shaft 44, whilethe uppergear Iliskeyedtothe outer hollow shaft 48. Both gears 5| and I2 intermesh with a pinion 53, which, when ro causes the gears 5| and 52 to turn in opposite directions. Pinion 53 is mounted on the power output shaft 54 changing gear box desired for normal operation. The shaft 5 is directly connected to an electric motor 5'! which is supplied with electric power through the connection 54. Interposed in the electric power supply line is a watt meter 29, which continually indicates the power being consumed in the operation of the generator.

To provide space for the II gearing underneath the casing, the casing is or blades 50. The rotation of the two agitat ing systems in opposite directions provides for thorough agitation of the contents of the reaction chamber, and is particularly effective for preventing the materials from bridging across the chamber between paddles. Near the bottom of the reaction chamber, there is provided an opening 6! for use in removing an accumulation of heavy .particles of impurities, such as ferro silicon. Theopening 6| is closed bya quickly removable cover 62.

Means for indicating the temperature of the contents of thereaction chamber and of the gas produced are preferably provided. At 63 there is provided a thermometer having its temperature sensitive portion in contact with the interior of the reaction chamber at a point near the bottom thereof. The gas temperature is indicated by a thermometer 64 which has a temperature bulb projecting into the outlet conduit l4. To prevent cooling and condensation of moisture that is carried by acetylene that may come in contact with the walls of easing portion I2, conveyor 34, and hopper 35, such parts may be covered by a layer of heat insulation so that they are maintained at a temperature above the condensation point.

The operation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 is as follows: A charge of carbide, preferably in lump form, is placed in the hopper l1 and the lid 22 closed tight. Valve 20 is opened as by pull- I ing the handle 2| outward and the conveyor l6 is rotated at a uniform rate.

cium hydrate which since the particles of hydrate are lighter than The electric motor 51 is simultaneously started up to set the agitator system in motion. When carbide starts feeding into the reaction chamber H), the valve, 25 is opened a sufficient amount to supply water at the proper rate. The carbide and water react in the lower portion of the chamber I0 and form calis displaced upward,

the particles of carbide. If the flow of water is not sufficient, to react the carbide at the rate at which it is introduced, therewill be an accumulation of excess carbide in the bottom of the reaction chamber Ill. The heavy carbide will impede the movement of the agitator blades and more power will be consumed in turning them. The increased power consumption will be shown by the electric watt meter 59. This will tent cf the calcium hydrate indicate how the water supply should be controlled, but changes in these factors occur a certainperiod of time after a change in water supply rate.

When the reaction chamber I0 fills with hydrated lime, it will reach the level of the conduit 34 and the conveyor 31 may then be rotated to remove the hydrated lime produced. As the carbide is fed into the reaction chamber, it rapidly falls down through the hydrated lime and in so doing it tends to remove any excess moisture therein. Carbide does not come actively into contact with wateruntil it has fallen to a point near the bottom of the reaction chamber and there the zone of greatest activity is found. The thorough agitation provided by the blades 40, 42 and 50, causes a thorough and intimate mixing of i the water and carbide so that the hydrated lime that forms on the surface of each lump of carbide is immediately rubbed off and is free to flow upwardly. As theagitated mass of carbide reacts, a mechanical separation of the calcium hydrate and carbide occurs, the larger particlesof unspent carbide sinking to the bottom of the generator while the fine particles of hy- ,drate accumulate at the top of the agitated mass. The heat of the reaction that occurs in the reaction zone is greater than can be carried away as sensible heat in. the products of the reaction, by heating up to temperature the materials introduced and by heat loss to the external surroundings. Therefore, to

carry oif this excess heat, an excess of water is supplied, preferably in the zone where the greatest amount of heat is produced. This excess water absorbs a considerable quantity of heat when ed by the water vapor and the increased volume of gas and vapor passing upward through the material in the generator aids in the separation of the lighter from the heavier particles and also will tend to react with some of the freshly introduced carbide as it passes downward through the mass. The movement of hot gas and vapor upward through the hydrated lime assists in maintaining the lime in a fluid-like condition.

With proper control of the rates of feeding the carbide and water, a very finely-divided product of calcium hydrate is produced which floats to the surface of the agitated mixture within the reaction chamber [0 and is withdrawn through the conduit 34 into the storage container 35 from which it is removed periodically as desired. The acetylene gas produced separates from the lime in the enlarged portion l2, the enlargement being for the purpose of reducing the velocity of the gas to a slow rate so that the fine particles of hydrate will not be carried along with the gas. The gas is thus separated from the hydrate before any appreciable cooling takes place so that the moisture which is carried by the gas does not have a chance to be condensed on the hydrate. The gas leaving the generator through conduit I4 may be conducted through a dust separating means, such as a water scrubber to remove traces of dust that may be carried along, and simultaneously the gas may be cooled to normal temperature.

The apparatus shown in Fig.2 is similar to that shown in Fig. 1, but in this form of the apparatus the carbide is fed into the reaction chamber B near the bottom thereof from the carbide supply means which is shown generally at A.

In this form of the apparatus, the reaction chamber 10 is conical in form, the bottom being smaller in diameter than the top. Such shape provides for more efficient, operation because the velocity of flow of the products upward decreases as the cross-sectional area of the reaction chamber increases. The upper chamber II in this embodimentcomprises an open top tank having a bottom 12 through which the reaction chamber 10 passes centrally and which is joined to the outer walls of the reaction chamber on a line substantially midway between the top and bottom of the reaction chamber. This construction forms an annular lime collecting space or compartment 18 surrounding theupper part of the reaction chamber. At a point near the top end of the upper chamber, there is provided an annular open top chamber 18 outsideof the tank H which has a closed bottom that is welded to the side of the tank 1|. Outside of the annular chamber 14 is disposed an annular water seal chamber 18 having a closed bottom "that is welded to the side of chamber 14. A sheet metal cover 18 for the tank H is provided having a depending cylindrical skirt portion 18 that extends down into the water seal 18 to a point close to the bottom 11 thereof. The cover 18 is formed higher in the central portion so that moisture that condenses thereon will flow to the edges and run into the seal 16. The top of the water seal 16 is closed by an annular ring 88 which is welded to the upper edge of the seal 16 and to the upper portion of the skirt 18. An apron or baflle 8| surrounds the upper edge of the tank H in order to prevent particles of lime from falling down into the annular chamber 18. The lower edge of the skirt 18 is serrated, as shown at 82, for the purpose of providing an even distribution of gas that flows under the edge of the skirt 18 through the water seal. The water seal 18 thus constitutes an integral annular scrubber for the gas produced. This construction forms the subjectmatter of United States patent granted February 13, 1940 to Maurice O'Brian.

The agitating mechanism in this form of the apparatus is also provided with portions that rotate in opposite directions. In this case, however, the outer hollow shaft 83 does not extend through the reaction chamber but ends at a point just within the bottom 88 of the reaction chamber 18. The upper end of the shaft 83 is joined to the central hub of a cross-arm 85 whose outer ends are fastened to the two upwardly extending non-parallel members 86 of the main agitator frame which is shown more clearly in Fig. 4. A plurality of spaced cross arms 81 parallel to the arm 85 are also provided joining the members 86. The members 88 are arranged to closely follow the conical wall of the reaction chamber 18 and their upper ends, which extend just above the upper edge of the reaction chamber, are joined by a horizontal cross member 88. The member 88 is so long as to almost touch opposite portions of the wall of the tank 1I. Secured to each end of the cross member 88 are two vertical scraper bars 88. These bars follow closely the unitary cylindrical wall of the tank H to prevent any adherence of lime thereon. The bars 88 extend slightly above the edge of the tank H where they are joined by an upper cross member 88 whose ends extend to within a short distance from the unitary cylindrical wall of the skirt 18. As best shown in Fig. 4, the members 88, 88,'and 88 are maintained in the desired relation by two X- shaped cross frames 8| and 82 whose ends are welded to the members 88 and 88. Hollow hubs are provided at the central portion of each of the members 85, 81, 88, and 88. These hubs have bores which freely rotate up m a shaft 83 which passes axially through the generator in the verfical direction. Scrapers for stirring the lime that collects in the annular chamber 13 are provided by the depending bars 88 whose lower ends are joined to the lower ends of the vertical members 89 by cross bars 85 and whose upper ends 'are welded t8 the cross member 88. Means is also provided for stirring the water in the scrubber water seal 18. This means comprises two 7 seal.

The hollow shaft 88 projects through a sealing means 88 which is in the bottom 88 of the reaction chamber. The portion of the shaft 88 which extends below the bottom 88 is keyed to a bevel gear 88 that meshes with one of a pair of pinion bevel gears I88 that is mounted on the power output shaft I8I of a speed reducer I82. The long vertical inner shaft 88 has its lower end journaled in a bearing I88 which is in the bottom of a gear box I88 that fully encloses the bevel gears and which is fastened to the bottom 88. Another bevel gear I85 is keyed to the shaft 88 and meshes with the other of the pinions I88 so that the shaft 83 may be driven in an opposite direction and preferably at a slightly greater speed than the shaft 83. On the portion of the shaft 83 that passes through the reaction chamber 18, there is mounted a plurality of paddle blades I88 at points intermediate between the cross members 81. Both blades I88 and 81 may be arranged to provide an upward or downward thrust on the materials being stirred in order that the agitation of the materials may be more thorough. It is generally preferable to shape the blades so as to provide an upward thrust which will avoid packing and keep the materials in a looser condition. Also fastened to the shaft on the upper side of the hub of cross member 88 is a set collar I81 which prevents upward shifting of the hub, and on either side of the hub of the cross member 88 there are also provided a pair of set collars I88. The shaft 88 is journaled at .its upper end in a bearing I88 that is mounted in the cover 18. The upper end of the shaft 88 is also provided with a reduced portion II8 which passes through a stufling box at the top of the bearing where it is provided with a cross arm bell strike III. The strike III is arranged to ring a bell II2 twice upon each revolution of the inner paddle assembly. The bell is for the purpose of notifying an operator that the paddle assembly is rotating properly. Another alarm bell is provided to indicate that the outer paddle assembly carrying the scrubber scraper 81 is operating properly. To this end one of the scrapers 81 is provided with a vertical arm 8 which strikes depending portion of one end of the bell shaft Ill so as to tilt the bell mounted on the other end and cause it to ring once upon each revolution of the scraper. The shaft Ill passes horizontally through a seal bearing in the cylindrical outer wall of scrubber chamber 18.

The carbide is introduced at a point close to the bottom 88 of the reaction chamber 18 by means of the conveyor H5 which operates in the housing 6, one end of which connects with the chamber 18, the other end being connected to the outlet II1 of a carbide hopper H8. The outlet H1 is controlled by a sliding ype of valve 8. A second carbide supply hopper I28 is disposed above the hopper II8. In the connection between the hoppers II8 and I28, there is a second carbide valve I2I. The hopper I28 is sealed by a lid I22. The shaft of the conveyor 5 passes through a stuffing box I28 in the end of the housing H6 and has an outer end which is journaled in the top bearing carried by the bearing support I25. A gear I28 is mounted on the shaft I28 between bearing I and stumng box I28. The gear I28 is driven by an intermediate gear til I21 which is mounted on a counter shaft I28. 'I'l'ie intermediategear in turn is driven by a gear I29 which is mounted on the shaft IN. The countershait I28 has its ends journaled in a bearing in the bearing stand I25 and in a bracket bearing I38 which is mounted in a support that extends from the underside of the housing II6. Another and larger intermediate gear I3I is also mounted on the shaft I28 and a corresponding smaller gear I32 is mounted on the shaft, I8I in such a way that it may be shifted into engagement with the gear I3I or out of engagement therewith as desired. The gear I29 may also be shiftedalong the shaft I8I so that the countershait I28 may be driven by either gear I29 or gear I32. Since the gears I29 and I32 are of different size, the shaft I28 and conveyor II5 will be driven at different rates of speed according to thegear ratio selected. The rate of feed of carbide may thus be varied as desired to change the rate of gas production.

The shaft I8I passes through the lower bearing in the bearing stand I25 and is connected to the output side of the speed reducer I82 which is driven bythe electric motor 51. A stufling box I33 is provided at the point where shaft I8I passes through the gear housing I84 so that the gear housing may be maintained substantially filled with gear lubricant. This seal also tends to prevent material from passing from the reaction chamber through the seal 98.

Since certain grades of commercial calcium carbide are relatively impure and contain such heavy impurities as silicon carbide, ferro-silicon, and oxide of iron and aluminum, means is provided for removing such impurities. Removal of such impurities that may collect in the bottom of the reaction chamber 18 is provided by a valve device I34. This device comprises a cylindrical bore formed in the bottom 84, within which is fitted a rotatable sleeve I35. The bore has an opening I36 communicating with the chamber I8 and the sleeve I35 has a corresponding opening I31 in its wall which may be made to register with the opening I 36 so that heavy particles that collect on the bottom of the chamber 18 will be swept around by the arm 85 so as to fall through to chamber 18 is closed oil and then the cover I38 may be removed and the impurities taken out of the sleeve chamber without further loss of material from the chamber 18. The handle I39 is used to rotate the sleeve I35 while the cover I38 is in the closed position.

The substantially dryresidue produced which collects in the annular compartment 13 is moved around by the arms 95 so that it falls through an opening I48 located in the bottom I2 of the tank H. A receiving chamber MI is connected immediately below the opening I48 so as to receive the residue. The lower end of chamber I4I communicates with a lime conveyor I42 that withdraws the hydrated lime that collects in chamber MI and deposits it in a storage hopper which is not shown in the drawings. To prevent gas from passing out through the opening I48,

chamber HI, and conveyor I42, a dust seal is I44 and'at its upper end a handle I45. The rod passes, through the top of the chamber I through a stufling box I46 and by moving the rod I43 up and down the height of the lime in the chamber may be readily determined. The operation of the conveyor I42 is so controlled that a supply of lime is caused to remain in the lower part of the chamber I4I so as to maintain the seal.

The water required for the reaction and for absorption of excess heat is added at points I41 close to the bottom of the reaction chamber 18. The rate of flow of the water supply may be determined by means of a flow meter comprising an orifice 26 and manometer 21 as shown in Fig. 1 or by any means for maintaining a regulatable constant supply of water such, Ior example, as a positive displacement pump whose speed of operation may be regulated. If desired, water for initially contacting the carbide being supplied to the reaction chamber may be introduced through a conduit I48 which is connected to the conveyor housing II6.

A supply of water is added to the scrubber seal 16 through the connection I49 which is located in the cover88 of the seal. Excess water normally flows out of the seal through the gas outlet pipe I58 which is connected to the outer wall of the seal 16 at a desired point. This over flow water runs along the conduit I58 until it reaches a draining conduit dependingtherefrom or any desired water separating means. The annular chamber 14 is provided so that water which might be driven backward by an abnormal backflow of gas through this scrubber will be caught by the chamber 14 instead of being carriedinto the tank I I. To remove water that may reach the chamber 14, there is provided a drain conduit I5I connected to the lower part of the chamber 14 and depending down into a .water seal I52. The depth of the seal I52 is suflicient to provide a head of water greater than the normal pressure of the gas in the generator. The water seal I52 is provided with an overflow, drain I53 and a vent pipe I54, both connected tothe upper portion thereof.

The operation of the form of apparatus shown in Fig. 2 is similar to that of Fig. 1. In this form, however, calcium carbide of any form may be used, that is, lump, dust, or run-of-crusher sizes, the maximum size of the lumps being limited to that which can be conveyed by the feeding device. The very fine particles of carbide introduced into the reaction chamber 18 are heavier than the calcium hydrate and, therefore, tend to remain in the chamber to be converted into acetylene and hydrate. The larger particles, of course, settle more rapidly and remain at lower levels in the chamber where greater moisture is available for reacting them.

The carbide is fed into the chamber 18 by conveyor I I5 at a substantially constant rate determined by the gear ratio of the gears I21 and I29, or I3I and I32 selected. The water is introduced at a constant rate which is regulated according to the temperature and themoisture content of the lime product. This rate must be maintained despite variations in back pressure at the water inlets which may occur due to par ticles being pressed against the inlets. It is, therefore, preferable to have a plurality of such inlets, and, to maintain the flow constant, the water may be supplied from a high pressure source and a differential pressure regulator interposed in the pipe line or a positive displacement pump whose speed or volumetric displacement are regulatable may be employed. A por tion of the water for initially contacting the carbide may be added, if desired, in the conveyor I II through inlet connection I48 or Just as the carbide enters the reaction chamber.

Rotation of the paddle assemblies keeps the mixture of carbide and hydrate in the reaction chamber thoroughly agitated while the gas and vapor flowing upward assist the agitation and tend to make the hydrate more fluid-like. The carbide particles remain in the chamber 10 until consumed but the hydrate overflows the top of the chamber I0 and falls into the annular compartment 13. Here the hydrate is stirred and swept around by the scrapers so as to fall through opening I40 into the hopper I at a rate such as to maintain a plug of hydrate in the bottom of the hopper so that gas will not escape to the conveyor I42. Any other means for effecting a gas seal while withdrawing the hydrate might be used. The calcium hydrate may be stirred for an additional period in the compartment 13 if desired, by providing the outlet for hydrate in the side wall II instead of in the bottom at opening I40. Such additional stirring will tend to produce amore uniform product.

The acetylene and water vapor are released at the top of the reaction chamber into the relatively large space above, formed by the tank II and cover 18. In this space the velocity of flow is so reduced that the finer particles of hydrate settle down and the gas flows over the upper edge of tank II, down between skirt I9 and chamber wall 14 and up through the water in the space between skirt I9 and seal wall 16. The serrations 82 cause the gas to pass in very small bubbles which provide thorough contact with the water in the seal which consequently removes the last traces of hydrate and cools the gas to a desired temperature. A substantial portion of the vapor carried by the gas is condensed and fiows oif with the overflow water of the seal.

When first starting up the generator, the motor 51 is star-ted, water is admitted to the scrubber at inlet I49 and the carbide valve II9 opened. When carbide enters the chamber I0 admission of water is begun. When shutting down the generator, the carbide valve II 9 is first shut oif, the water is allowed to enter for a specified period of time and is then shut off and the paddles are kept turning for an additional period toinsure that the moisture is evenly distributed and dispersed. The generator may then stand idle for a period without danger of lime caking in the reaction chamber.

With the present apparatus operated as described, a hydrated lime product having a residual moisture content of about 3% was obtained when a ratio of 1 lb. of water to 1 lb. of calcium carbide was maintained. This ratio will vary slightly according to the purity of the carbide used. Such a moisture content is desired in commercial lime hydrates for then the handling properties of the material are best. It is, therefore, seen that the apparatus of the present invention may be used for the production of acetylene at relatively rapid rates from calcium carbide and the simultaneous production of a high quality commercially useful hydrated lime by-product in a safe and economical manner.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for effecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a substantially vertically disposed reaction chamber; means for introducing the solid into said chamber at a point above the bottom thereof; means for introducing controlled amounts of the liquid into said chamber with at least a major portion of said liquid being introduced near the bottom of said chamber; means for withdrawing the substantially dry residue from the upper portion of said chamber; means for agitating the reacting materials within said chamber substantially throughout the depth of the reaction zone, said agitating means and chamber being so constructed and arranged that a. selective downward movement of the solid and a displacement of the substantially dry residue upwardly with the gas results and said chamber being free of obstructions which would prevent the selective upward displacement of the residue to the upper portion of said chamber; and means for separately withdrawing the gas.

2. Apparatus for effecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a substantially vertically disposed reaction chamber; means for introducing the solid into said chamber; means for introducing controlled amounts of the liquid into the lower portion of said chamber so as to contact said solid; means for agitating the reacting materials in said chamber substantially throughout the depth of the reaction zone, said agitating means and chamber being constructed and arranged to accelerate the reaction and promote a selective upward displacement of all of the residue to the upper portion of said chamber while retaining said solid in said chamber and said chamber being free of obstructions which would prevent such selective upward displacement of the residue to the upper portion of said chamber; means for withdrawing all the substantially dry residue from the upper portion of said chamber; and means for collecting and withdrawing gas from above said residue withdrawing means.

3. Apparatus for eilecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a substantially vertically disposed reaction chamber; means for introducing the solid into said chamber; means for introducing controlled amounts of the liquid into the lower portion of said chamber so as to contact said solid; means for agitating the reacting materials in said chamber substantially throughout the depth of the reaction zone, said agitating means being constructed and arranged to accelerate the reaction and promote selective upward displacement of all of the residue to the upper portion of said chamber while retaining said solid in said chamber and said chamber being free of obstructions which would prevent such selective upward displacement of the residue to the upper portion of said chamber; means for withdrawing all the substantially dry residue from the upper portion of said chamber; means for collecting and withdrawing gas from above said residue withdrawing means; and means for collecting and withdrawing particles of unreacted material from the lower portion of said chamber.

4. A generator for effecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a substantially vertically disposed reaction chamber having a closed bottom and an upper portion communicating with an enclosed space in said generator; means for feeding solid at a control- 7 2,233,109 lable rate into said chamber; means for introduc ing liquid into said chamber, said means being so constructed and arranged that a suflicient amount of liquid is introduced into the lower portion of said chamber to provide the zone of greatest reaction activity to occur near the bottom of said chamber; means for agitating the reacting materials in said chamber substantially throughout the depth of the entire reaction zone, to promote improved contact of the solid and liquid and eflect a displacement of all of the residue upwardly, said chamber being free of obstructions which would prevent the upward displacement of residue; means for withdrawing the substantially dry residue from the upper portion of said chamber; and separate means for withdrawing the gas from said enclosed space.

5. A generator for effecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a a substantially vertical reaction chamber having a closed bottom and a rim bounding an opening in the upper portion of said chamber, means for feeding the solid at controllable rates into the 25,

lower portion of said chamber, means for introducing liquid at controlled rates into the lower portion of said chamber, rotatable paddles ,dis-

posed within said chamber for agitating materials therein while causing selective upward displacement of said residue, a compartment disposed adjacent said rim for collecting said residue. as it flows over said rim, an enclosed space in said generator and disposed directly above said chamber'for collecting gas, means for withdrawing residue from said compartment and means for withdrawing gas from said space.

6. A generator for efiecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a substantially vertical reaction chamber having a closed bottom and a rim bounding an opening in the upper portion of said chamber, means for feeding the solid at controllable rates into the lower portion of said chamber, means for introducing liquid at controlled rates into the lower portion of said chamber, rotatable paddles disposed within said chamber for agitating materials therein, an annular compartment surrounding the upper portion of said chamber forecllecting residue that flows over said rim, an enclosedspace in said generator and disposed directly.above said chamber and compartment for collecting gas, means for withdrawing residue from said compartment, and means for withdrawing gas from said space.

7. A generator for effecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a substantially vertical reaction chamber having a closed bottom and a rim bounding an opening in the upper portion of said chamber, means for feeding the solid at controllable rates into the lower portion of saidchamber, means forintroducing liquid at controlled rates into the lower portion of said chamber, rotatable paddles disposed within said chamber for agitating materials therein, an annular compartment surroundin said generator above said chamber and compartment for collecting gas, and means for withdrawing gas from said space.

8. A generator for effecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce ages and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a substantially vertical reaction chamber having a closed bottom and a rim bounding an opening in the upper portion of said chamber, means for feeding the solid at controllable rates into the lower portion of said chamber, means for introducing liquidat controlled rates into the lower portion of said chamber, rotatable paddles disposed within said chamber for agitating materials therein, an annular compartment surround ing the upper portion of said chamber for collecting residue that flows over said rim, an enclosed space'in said generator above said chamber and compartment for collecting gas, a cover over the upper portion of said space having its feeding-the solid at controllable rates into the lower portion of said chamber, means for introducing liquid at controlled rates into the lower portion of said chamber, rotatable paddles dis posed within said chamber for agitating, materials therein, an annular compartment surrounding the upper portion of said chamber for collecting residue that flows over said rim, walls enclosing a space in said generator above said chamber and compartment for collecting gas, means for continuously removing material that tends tocollect on interior surfaces of said walls,

means for withdrawing gas from the upper portion of said space and means for withdrawing residue from said compartment.

10. Apparatus for effecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residuefwhich comprises a substantially vertical reaction chamber having a closed bottom and a rim bounding an opening in the upper portion of said chamber, means for ,feeding the solid atcontrollable rates into the lower portion of said chamber, means for introducing liquidat controlled rates into the lower portion of said chamber, rotatable paddles disposed within said chamber for agitating materials therein, means for rotating said paddles in one direction, a second set of paddles in said chamber each disposed between thepaddles of the first set, means for rotating said second set of paddles in the opposite direction, means for collecting and withdrawing residue from the'upper portion ofsa'id chamber, and means for collecting and withdrawing gas from above said chamber. M

11. Apparatus for effecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a substantially vertical reaction chamber having a closedbottom and a rim bounding an opening in the upper portion of said chamber, means for feeding the solid at controllable rates into the lower portion of said chamber, means for introducing liquid at controlled rates into the lower portion of said chamber, rotatable paddles disposed within said chamber for agitating materials therein, means for rotating said paddles comprising a frame having two upwardly disposed side members joining the ends of said paddles and mechanism for rotating said frame in one direction, a shaft centered on the axis of said chamber, paddles mounted on said shaft and disposed between said first-mentioned paddles, means for rotating said shaft in the opposite direction, means for collecting and withdrawing residue from the upper portion of said chamber, and'means for collecting and withdrawing gas from above said chamber.

12. Apparatus for efiecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a substantially vertical reaction chamber having a closed bottom and a rim bounding anopening in the upper portion of said chamber, means for feeding the solid at controllable rates intov the lower portion of said chamber, means for introducing liquid at controllable rates into the lower portion of said chamber, rotatable paddles disposed within said chamber for agitating materials therein, means for rotating said paddles comprising a frame having two upwardly disposed side members joining the ends of said paddles and mechanism for rotating said frame in one direcchamber, means above said chamber and com- "partment for effecting the separation of gas from i a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a reaction chamber having a substantially vertical axis, a closed bottom and an open upper end of larger area than said bottom, agitating means in said chamber rotatable about said axis, means for feeding the solid and the liquid each at controllable rates into the lower portion of said chamber, a compartment enclosing a relatively large space above said chamber and having side walls spaced from the upper end of said chamber, a bottom portion joining the side walls and the wall of said chamber so as to form a residue collecting space, and a cover whose center portion is higher than its perimetral portions so that moisture condensing thereon will drain toward the perimetral portions, means rotatable with said agitating means for removing excess material tending to adhere to and build up on said side walls and for agitating residue which collects in said residue collecting space, means for withtion, a shaft centered on the axis of said chamber,

paddles mounted on said shaft and disposed between said flrst-mentioned paddles, means for rotating said shaft in the opposite direction, means disposed outside of said chamber for continuously indicating the rotation of said shaft, separate means outside of said chamber for con- 40 tinuously indicating the rotation of said frame,

means for collecting and withdrawing residue from the upper portion of said chamber, and means for collecting and withdrawing gas from above said chamber.

13. Apparatus for effecting a reactionbetween a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a reaction chamber having a substantially vertical axis, a closed bottom and an open upper-end of larger area than said bottom, agitating means in said chamber rotatable about said axis, means for feeding the solid and the liquid each at controllable rates into the lower portion of said chamber, means for collecting and withdrawing the substantially dry residue which is displaced upwardly by the solid during agitation of the reacting materials and which passes over the top of said chamber, and means for collecting and withdrawing gas from above said chamber.

14. Apparatus for effecting a reaction between a solid and a liquid so as to produce a gas and a substantially dry residue, which comprises a reaction chamber having a substantially vertical axis, a closed bottom and an open upper end of larger area than said bottom, agitating means in said chamber rotatable about said axis, means for feeding the solid and the liquid each at controllable rates into the lower portion of said chamber, an annular compartment surrounding the chamber constructed and arranged for collecting residue that passes over the top of said drawing gas from the upper portion of said compartment, and means for withdrawing residue from said residue collecting space.

16. In an apparatus for the production of a gas and a substantially dry residue product of a reaction between a liquid and a solid containing unconvertible impurities, the combination comprising, a reaction chamber in which the reaction is eifec'ted and having a bottom, agitating means in said chamber for promoting the settlement of heavy components including said impurities toward said bottom, an opening in said bottom, valve means for closing said opening, a compartment disposed below and communicating with said opening and having a removable cover, means for closing said valve while said cover is closed and after a desired amount of said impurity has passed from the chamber into said compartment, and means for withdrawing impurities from said compartment while said valve is closed.

17. In an apparatus for the production of a gas and a substantially dry residue product of a reaction between a liquid and a solid containing unconvertible impurities, the combination comprising, a reaction chamber in which the reaction is effected and having a bottom, agitating means in said chamber for promoting the settlement of heavy components including said impurities toward said bottom, a cylindrical compartment disposed below said chamber and communicating therewith through a connecting passage, a sleeve closely fitting the cylindrical walls of said 'compartment and rotatable therein, a port in said sleeve arranged for alignment with said passage by rotation of the sleeve, means operable from outside said compartment for rotating said sleeve so as to close said passage means for withdrawing impurities from said compartment while said passage is closed.

CHARLES NESS. HUGO V. KOJOLA. 

